2_Cincinnati Bengals1

Denver Broncos Gameday HQ

AFC-NORTH
BENGALS
2014 STRENGTHS:
• Strong offensive line, blossoming young
quarterback, excellent special teams
Bengals Offense
The Cincinnati Bengals’ offense has the potential to be
explosive at times. But it will be tested without wide receiver
Marvin Jones, who will miss at least three weeks with a foot
injury. Jones, who had a pin surgically placed in his left foot, was
the Bengals’ second-leading wide receiver last season behind
only A.J. Green. Including the Bengals’ playoff loss to the San
Diego Chargers, Jones compiled 59 receptions for 842 yards and
10 touchdowns. Quarterback Andy Dalton does have plenty of
other weapons and Mohamed Sanu will be expected to step up if
Jones is out longer than expected.
For the Bengals to take that next step in the playoffs, they’ll
need improved production from their trio of running backs—
Giovani Bernard, BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Jeremy Hill. If
the Bengals can get consistency at this position, it will open up
the passing game.
The offense has gotten better in each of Dalton’s first three
2014 WEAKNESSES:
• Consistency on defensive line, speed at running
back, lack of depth at linebacker
CINCINNATI
seasons. Three years ago, the
Bengals overall offense was
ranked No. 20. By the end of
last season, it was all the way
up to No. 10. That was largely
due to an eighth-ranked
passing attack that took
advantage of Dalton’s ability
to pass the ball downfield,
averaging 258.5 yards per game.
Offensive coordinator Jay
Gruden is now coaching the
Washington Redskins and
Hue Jackson has been hired in
Gruden’s place. In the last three
seasons, the Bengals ranked
Nos. 19, 18 and 18, respectively,
in rushing offense. Jackson’s
task will be to improve the
run game and keep opposing
defenses off balance.
The offensive line has been
steadily improving through
ANDY LYONS/GETTY IMAGES SPORT
the years and looks to be a major strength in 2014. By protecting
Dalton and opening up holes for the running game, the Bengals
will have the ability to score a plethora of points once again.
The key for the Bengals is keeping as balance as possible and not
relying solely on Dalton’s arm.
Offensive Player to Watch
Dalton agreed to a contract extension worth as much as
$115 million over six years. If the Bengals win the Super Bowl
with Dalton at quarterback, he will receive $1.5 million more
for every year after that remaining. There are a ton of other
contract clauses, but the overall point is simple: The Bengals are
counting on Dalton to lead them in every way. Dalton has won
30 games in his first three seasons but he has an 0-3 record in
the playoffs with one touchdown and six interceptions. Dalton
has yet to miss a start in his Bengals’ career and his 30-18 regular
season mark is the best winning percentage (.625) of any Bengals
Andy Dalton